Why North Carolina Belongs at the Top of Your Retirement List: A Regional Guide for Central NC

by Allen Faircloth

When planning where to spend your golden years, state rankings matter. Business Insider recently ranked all 50 U.S. states for retirement, placing North Carolina at #13 overall nationwide!

The state earned a #7 Affordability ranking, standing out as a premier destination for retirees looking to maximize their nest egg without compromising on quality of life. Combined with a tax-friendly climate—including exemptions on Social Security benefits and a low state flat tax—the Tar Heel State continues to attract retirees from across the country.

While state-level rankings paint a great picture, real estate is local. The true magic of retiring in North Carolina comes down to choosing the right county and community. Central North Carolina offers a sweet spot: close proximity to world-class healthcare in Research Triangle Park (RTP) and major airports, paired with low property tax burdens and small-town charm.

Central NC’s Best Retirement Destinations

1. Southern & Eastern Wake County (Fuquay-Varina, Apex, Garner, Wendell)

If access to top-tier medical networks (UNC Health, Duke Health, and WakeMed) and vibrant downtown districts is high on your priority list, Eastern and Southern Wake County offer the ideal balance.

Why Retirees Love It: You get suburban convenience, scenic parks, walkable downtowns, and proximity to Raleigh without feeling swallowed by the core city.
Real Estate Snapshot: Highly desirable active-adult communities, modern single-story floor plans, and strong long-term home equity value.

2. Johnston County (Clayton, Smithfield, Benson)

"JoCo" has quickly become one of the fast-growing hotspots for retirees seeking affordability just outside the Wake County line.

Why Retirees Love It: You get significantly lower property taxes and home prices than central Raleigh, paired with farm-to-table dining, local wineries, and scenic rural scenery, great golfing and pickleball is all the rage here.
Real Estate Snapshot: Excellent selection of new-construction single-family homes, low-maintenance townhomes, and spacious acreage properties.

3. Harnett County (Lillington, Angier, Dunn)

For those dreaming of a slower pace, gentle rolling hills, and outdoor recreation along the Cape Fear River or Raven Rock State Park, Harnett County is a standout choice.

Why Retirees Love It: Positioned directly between Raleigh and Fayetteville, Harnett offers high affordability and true small-town warmth.
Real Estate Snapshot: Generous lot sizes, peaceful countryside retreats, and budget-friendly housing choices.

4. Cumberland County (Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Spring Lake)

Cumberland County delivers exceptional value and robust infrastructure for retirees looking for maximum purchasing power.

Why Retirees Love It: Home to extensive medical facilities, cultural arts centers, golf courses, and strong veteran community roots.
Real Estate Snapshot: Strong buyer leverage, affordable golf-course communities, and low cost-per-square-foot housing options.

Local Expertise Matters: Why Work With Anthem Properties?

Navigating property taxes, deed restrictions, HOA guidelines, and location specifics requires deep boots-on-the-ground knowledge. When searching across Johnston, Harnett, Southern/Eastern Wake, and Cumberland Counties, Anthem Properties is the regional real estate firm to rely on.

100% Native & Local Agents: Unlike large national algorithms or out-of-town franchises, every agent at Anthem Properties is actually from the area and currently lives and works in these local communities.
Hyper-Local Insight: Anthem agents know which neighborhoods offer lower property tax rates, which developments feature single-level active-adult layouts, and how to position your offer effectively in today's market.
Tailored Retirement Moves: Whether downsizing to a low-maintenance patio home or relocating from out of state, having a local advocate ensures a seamless transition.

Ready to Explore Your North Carolina Retirement Options?

North Carolina's top-10 affordability rating makes it a smart choice, but finding the perfect neighborhood in Johnston, Harnett, Wake, or Cumberland County makes it home. Contact Anthem Properties today to connect with a neighborhood specialist who truly knows the area.